Motorsports Kenya Wins the Race Without Even Starting the Engine

By Mwambazi Lawrence

In a twist more dramatic than a wet-weather overtake at hairpin corner, Kenya’s motorsport governance just hit the reset button  and boy, did it need one. On Friday, the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) finally waved the red flag on the Kenya Motor Sports Federation (KMSF) and gave the green light to Motorsports Kenya as the country’s official National Sports Organization.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Motor Sports Federation (KMSF)  which clung to power like a rally driver to the handbrake in a hairpin turn  has been officially shown the emergency exit, escorted out with a polite legal nudge and a not-so-polite reality check.

KMSF, You Had One Job

KMSF’s fall from grace comes from a spectacular refusal to transition under the Sports Act of 2013. You’d think a federation responsible for fast cars would at least know how to meet a deadline  but alas, a one-year transition period turned into an 11-year pit stop. SDT Chairperson Bernard Murunga was not amused. He pointed out, probably with the judicial equivalent of a facepalm, that KMSF’s FIA affiliation expired in 2014  yes, that’s 10 years ago. Apparently, legal recognition isn’t like fine wine. It doesn’t get better with age. “The legality of its affiliation ceased on 14th August 2014,” Murunga said, with the calmness of a judge but the finality of a mechanic condemning a blown engine.

Motorsports Kenya – The Legal Pit Crew

Backed by 95% of the motorsport stakeholders (which in racing terms is like having every team principal, driver, and their grandmother in your corner), Motorsports Kenya sped through all legal requirements and built a governance structure tighter than a racing line.

Led by rally heavyweights Carl Tundo and Eric Bengi, Motorsports Kenya basically said, “Give us the keys; we actually read the Sports Act.” They also dragged the Sports Registrar to the Tribunal like a reluctant co-driver who keeps shouting “straight” in a chicane.

The SDT didn’t hold back: “The Constitution does not contemplate that public officers may hold applications in perpetual limbo under the guise that no decision has been made.” Translation: Stop ghosting our motorsport future, please.

What’s Next?

The Registrar now has 30 days to register Motorsports Kenya. That’s the same amount of time it usually takes a rally fan to recover from one of Carl Tundo’s corner drifts. Once registered, they have to hold fresh elections within 90 days, open up membership registration, and integrate all legitimate motorsport stakeholders  yes, even that guy who shows up late with two tyres and a dream.

As for KMSF? Well, let’s just say they’ve been handed their final DNF (Did Not Finish). Their legal tires have popped, the engine light is on, and the race has moved on without them.

And if KMSF still insists they’re in the race? Well… someone please remind them that ghost riding is illegal  on and off the track. 

About The Author